A COUNTRYSIDE lobby group has urged a planning inspector not to allow the retail element of Worcester City Football Club's plans for a new stadium.

Ann Stallard, from the Worcestershire branch of the Council for the Protection of Rural England, said she was not against the club's plans to relocate to Nunnery Way.

But she was opposed to the retail units, which the club claims is necessary to fund its 6,000-seater stadium.

"We are against any retail elements on this site, other than those directly concerned with the stadium," she told the first day of a public inquiry into the plan.

Another opponent, Ronald Sowden, representing Spetchley Parish, said the proposals were contrary to local and national planning guidance and would worsen traffic problems in the area.

"Permitting commercial development in this area would have a huge effect on rural life," he said.

A number of individuals and organisations have challenged a proposed change to the Local Plan - the blueprint for the future development of the city - which would allow bulky goods stores to be built in that area.

The land in Nunnery Way is already earmarked for the stadium in the Local Plan, but without an enabling development.

But earlier this year the city council backed the need for retail units, subject to the club meeting 18 conditions, including a high standard of design and keeping retail to a minimum.

The inquiry, at the Guildhall, is due to last four days, with the football club making its case on Friday morning.